I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say,

"I used everything You gave me."

~Erma Bombeck

April 17, 2012

She stopped me in my tracks today...

Admittedly in the recent weeks, I have let the circumstances in my surroundings steal my joy. God chooses to bring messages in many different ways.

In the midst of running around today, to the school my 9 year olds recorder concert, to the Vitamin Shoppe, the dry cleaners, the drive through for lunch, I sat on the floor in my living room nursing my baby boy and turned on the mid morning news. The last story on the newscast was about a family choosing joy in the midst of grief.

A baby girl named Avery Canahuati stopped me in my tracks today. Here is a link to the story I saw. I sat nursing my perfectly healthy baby boy with tears pouring down my face. Avery's parents are beautiful, amazing people who are making a choice to make the very best of their baby's life for whatever time they have her with them here on earth.

At one point in the interview her mother says this... “Mike always told me we’ve got all the time in the world to cry,” said Laura. “We can cry, you know, when she’s no longer here. But for now we want to enjoy the time we do have with her and just make memories.” I know they are putting her story out there to raise awareness of spinal muscular atrophy, SMA Type 1. But the message they are sending in addition is a much, much bigger and powerful one. We can choose how we spend our days with our loved ones.

Life is so very precious and fleeting. In the final days I spent with my mom before she passed away I sat in the presence of a woman who had had her share of pain in her life, both physical and emotional and all of that falls away when you are left with precious little time with the people you love. My parents had been divorced 5 years before Mom died. Dad visited her a few days before my final visit. All the blame and pent up anger fell away in that visit and it seems as if the two of them put things to rest and all that remained was sweet, sweet love.

The Canahuatis realize what is important in the here and now is to love Avery like nobody's business. And they are doing it with all of their might. I took a lesson from them today and hugged each of my precious ones close, for I have taken them for granted. I'd like this beautiful family to know that I am sending prayers for Avery, their strength and peace on this journey they are on, and a hope that a cure may be found soon.

Please visit Avery's precious blog at Avery's Bucket List and like her page on Facebook. Help her parents spread the word about spinal muscular atrophy and learn a little about choosing joy at the same time.

2 comments:

Lanie....what a touching story. Strength can be found when we need it and the tears can come long afterwards. This family has strength and I pray that it continues along with all the memories they are making in the time they have. Thank you for sharing this with us. I was raised to always appreciate those around me but this makes you want to take it a step more. Both my hubby and my son will be getting extra hugs this afternoon.

I'm so happy that you are doing good and enjoying that sweet bundle of joy. I have missed alot (life..it get's in the way sometimes ya know) but hope to catch up with everyone soon.

About Me

I'm a stay at home mom to two of the most wonderful little girls and one darling boy who are the absolute lights in my life. I have a hardworking husband who provides well so I can be at home taking care of the details and chasing my dream of raising confident, creative children and having a creative career of my own. This blog is based upon the principle that God has given us all special talents and wants us to use them to the benefit of others. My sweet mother who passed away in October 2009 left with me a dream to bring back the creative soul within. I have always loved crafting and creating items with my hands. Now I want to create art. Somewhere along the way, I lost the dream of becoming an artist and I want to fulfill it so that my children know that anything is possible. In an effort to encourage them to use their talents, I am trying to use my own to set a good example. I hope you enjoy my blog, my crafts and my art. Comments are so appreciated and I hope you will share your dreams and wishes too!